Wearden wonderful
Patrick Wearden slipped under the radar of many scouts, but there is a big upside and he offers versatility
PATRICK Wearden slipped under the radar of many scouts before last week's NAB AFL Draft, but the new Brisbane Lion promises to offer his new club versatility.
Wearden was taken with the Lions' fourth pick - No. 47 overall - at last week's draft, behind new teammates Billy Longer, Sam Docherty and Elliot Yeo.
Just like reigning club champion Tom Rockliff, he is a boy from Country Victoria and played for the Murray Bushrangers in the TAC Cup.
He can play anywhere from half-back to wing to half-forward and at 191cm is a good size in any position.
Wearden missed selection in the Vic Country team that contested the U18 national championships, but he says that setback did not slow him down.
"A lot of people don't expect those that miss out on the rep sides to get picked up in the draft," Wearden said.
"I was lucky enough to get a few VFL games with Collingwood and I think that might have helped my chances a bit.
"I think a lot of clubs see a bit of upside with the country boys because we don't have the exposure with the facilities that the city boys do, so I think that might have helped my chances as well."
Lions' national talent manager Rob Kerr agreed.
"Living where he was, his pre-season was one night a week and during the season was two nights a week," Kerr said.
"The country boys have got a good margin for improvement, simply because they don't get the intensity of work the city boys do.
"In terms of build, he reminds me a lot of Paul Kelly. Paul wasn't as tall but I think he is an exciting prospect."